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Tropico 5 beta test sign ups open

If you fancy being one of the first to play upcoming sandbox strategy game Tropico 5 then head over to the website of publisher Kalypso Media and sign up for the forthcoming closed beta trial, due to begin in March.

Tropico 5 is the latest in the popular series of sun-kissed management games which cast you as a cartoonishly despotic dictator of a tropical island nation. You'll have to grow your small nation's fortunes while swelling your own bank balance on the side, all without driving your population to rebellion or inviting sanctions from meddling superpowers.

This latest sequel will boast even more detailed development and research tracks, as well as co-operative and competitive online multiplayer - a first for the series. Also new is the Dynasty system. Where previous Tropico games played out across decades, Tropico 5 spans centuries and you'll be able to pass on the baton from your first ruler in colonial times down through their children.

Tropico 5 is due later this year for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4. Kalypso has yet to reveal if it will also be available on Xbox One and PlayStation 3.